How to make graphic novels and still have a full-time job

[@Michael.Regina]

Watch my follow-up video "Your day job can help kickstart your art or writing career": kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ3UZaiqbdWkpM0

[@jdsantibanez]

I understand very much. I have been publishing my own comics and prose novels since I was 18. I am 64 today. I still have a full-time job.

[@Michael.Regina]

Wow! It's awesome you've kept it up!

[@AuntieSocialNetwork]

One of my life mottos is literally "it is better to do C work than to not turn in the assignment at all."

[@81modus]

Hmmm...weird but this made me think

[@AuntieSocialNetwork]

@@81modus Here is some additional context. Both of my parents were career teachers and growing up my Dad would often remark about the F student who was actually quite talented or showed potential, but was afraid of failure or not being automatically good at something so instead they would just opt out entirely. He said it had something to do with kids thinking there's more honor in choosing an F than giving their best shot and earning a C. But in reality, there's more integrity in trying and showing up, even if you're not the best at something. In other words, it's better to do C work than not turn in the assignment at all and get an F. Also, this is corny, but that Leann Womack song "I hope you dance" also kinda makes me think about this.

[@williampowell3378]

I dig it.

[@williampowell3378]

10:10 perfectionism is the enemy

[@aeontek]

Thank you, I really needed to hear some of these things. Also, you’re a good dad man.

[@Michael.Regina]

I am glad it was helpful. Thank you so much for your kind words. :-)

[@richclabaugh2706]

Thanks for the inspiring words, Michael! I'm my worst enemy as I try to move forward with my work so it's nice to hear from someone who makes comics while working a day job like me. I will take your tips and use them to hopefully make some headway with my stories.

[@Michael.Regina]

You're welcome, Rich! You can do it!

[@TheLobstersoup]

I hated my dayjob, because it made me lazy. I was surrounded by people negotiating coming late to work and leaving early. I lost my motivation to work independently, because I was starting to adapt their mentality. And over time, more and more work issues filled my head and made it impossible to motivate myself to do creative work. I had a fallout with my superiors over my desire to work less and their desire to make me work more, and I quit. Ever since then, I realized I have a chance now, because I am receiving unemployment benefits for a year (after 8 years of pointless work, mind you). So I have been doing nothing but drawing, since then. I don't call my mother every week, I rarely see my friends. Only art matters. And if they can't cope with this for a year, they are in the way of art. I am simply not willing to compromise any more.

[@Michael.Regina]

Sounds like you were in a pretty tough work situation. I hope all of the best for your efforts.

[@TheLobstersoup]

@@Michael.Reginano, no. I was in a pretty tough work situation, because my decisions were driven by fear of loosing the job I didn't care about in the first place. Now, I am in an ideal work situation. Thanks though.

[@diameter42069]

Thank you so much for this video, sir. I am in my senior year of highschool right now and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to publish a comic book or, at the very least, a webcomic. My characters have developed so much throughout the years and it breaks my heart knowing there's a chance I won't ever do them justice by telling their story. I live in a developing country and have hardly any job opportunities if I choose to attend an art school and having a full-time job scares me so much, as I fear ending up drained really fast and giving up on my story. It's really hard too, because I find no other job appealing, besides maybe becoming a teacher, as I really love kids. But my issue with this is that teachers are barely paid the minimum wage where I live, which is so demotivating and most of all unfair for everyone. Going abroad to study art is also not an option, as I am barely middle class. And I can't help but be frustrated that, even as fortunate as I am, it's so hard for me to attain my dream. I studied at a mathematics and science highschool so my college opportunities are plenty, but I just want to know that even if I attend a college I don't feel connected to, that in the end I will be able to return to my biggest desire. Your video helped me a lot and I'm hoping to follow in your footsteps successfully. I feel a bit more motivated now and feel as though, maybe, just maybe, I will be able to do it. Your story is truly inspiring, and I thank you so much once again. -Possibly a future comic book author

[@Michael.Regina]

Man, thank you for sharing your story with me. I am so glad my journey has helped you get excited about sticking with the work. You have stories in you that the world should have a chance to hear. You can't control all of the other life stuff, you have to do what you have to do to survive. But, make your comics the place you go to unwind, take the pressure off of it--let it be your hobby! You can do this!

[@MarshMakesComics]

I really appreciate the encouragement about having not made a career out of it yet. I’ve struggled with that as well!

[@Michael.Regina]

I’m glad this was an encouragement! It is a long runway. Publishing, unfortunately, is not a fast business at all. But I do believe if I focus on the work and make books because I want to see them exist, I can be fine with whatever others do with my stories and still be happy with it. Keep going!

[@LycheeChong]

This is so relatable and helpful! You have my heartfelt thanks, good sir. Please keep up the good work 🤗

[@Michael.Regina]

You're welcome! I'm so glad you found it helpful.

[@subterranean327]

Thanks, Michael. I'm currently working on my second book and looking for a noncreative full-time job at the same time. I sometimes worry about my creative pursuits once I'm working again, but your advice was really helpful.

[@Michael.Regina]

So glad it was helpful to you! I hope all the best in your creative efforts.

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Gonna check this out Later, when I have time!

[@feathercompressor]

Good timing on this - I've been trying to sort out these issues for a few years. Appreciate that you don't offer "hacks" or gimmicks, just honesty on what can and can't be controlled. And yes, always including that disclaimer, "Lord-willing!"

[@Michael.Regina]

I'm really glad that this was helpful to you! Yeah, hacks and stuff only take you so far! Learning to love the work for the work's sake and being purposeful has done more for me than anything.

[@feathercompressor]

Yes! Although, I have it easy, I like doing lineart 😂 it's just great to hear a fellow artist talk about the hard work and what it takes to reach the finish line. Cheers ~

[@marlenesteffensen]

I'm at Saw and I stumbled across your video on Pitching my Novel. It was truly like a Godsend Michael listening to your words of wisdom. Thanks.

[@Michael.Regina]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck on your project!

[@kaitolumiere24]

Thank you man this came at the perfect motivating time. Just got a new job and things have changed a lot. Lost some motivation but now I feel pumped to push thru. Hope to make my first graphic novel soon and publish it online and physical! Love how you prioritize your family, as a dad I completely agree with that! Will be checking out your stuff shortly! Thanks again

[@Michael.Regina]

Oh you’re welcome! I’m so glad it was helpful. I wish you all the best with everything. I’m getting ready to drop another video on art and day jobs this week. Hope that is helpful to people as well.

[@dallasclark0723]

Hi micheal you Inspiried me to begin my own graphic novel I'm currently working on the characters right now you've been an Inspiration ever since you came to my school!!!

[@Michael.Regina]

Hi Dallas! That's awesome! Good luck on your book. 🙂

[@lilcurlyclouds]

I am starting on the very first baby steps of a making a graphic novel and your videos have been super helpful. Thank you!

[@Michael.Regina]

You're welcome! Best of luck, Stephanie! You got this!

[@mint_corset]

I appreciate this video, for a long time I've wanted to make graphic novels, and now that I have ideas my full time work and daily chores makes it near impossible. I'll try to implement some of what you say. I do work from home as well but I end up staying up late due to just small things and then I'm exhausted in the morning. It's a vicious cycle. I've done digital art for years and it's just so hard sometimes, to make the time to create. I'm slowly working it back to my daily life. Here's hoping to a productive future.

[@Michael.Regina]

Hey! Do the best you can! You're only human. I do a lot of little working stints throughout the day -- vene if it's only for 10-15 minutes. The goal is to make some progress when you can and get at least 30 minutes to an hour of uninterrupted time daily (I strive for at least 2 hours in the morning). You make that a habit, and you'll see a lot of progress. You got this!

[@bharl7226]

I’m in a very similar boat working from home, but my job is call center tech support, which is back to back calls that are hyper socializing and technical sleuthing, which is just incredibly mentally exhausting, so I’m barely even capable of working creatively except here and there in short bursts

[@rudyagresta]

Just discovered your channel and am loving it. Great advice from your experiences. Thanks from a new subscriber, Michael!

[@Michael.Regina]

Thank you for your sub! Really glad this was helpful!

[@kerwinjohnson1349]

I can agree with the majority of what you've shared. However, with all of the competition in the comics industry, one cannot sacrifice quality, my friend.

[@Michael.Regina]

My intention wasn’t too say to be happy with subpar work, but that to be able to produce and finish a book you have to learn to be fast. It’s a simple issue of economy and achieving your deadlines. If you’re working full time and trying to make a book, and your goal is one page a day… you do the best you can to deliver that page in a day. But the math doesn’t change and there’s only so much time. I know some massively talented artists who can’t produce comics regularly because they obsess about their feelings of not hitting the quality that they’d like. But deadlines are about doing the best you can with the time you have. Speed+quality. And as you gain in speed, your quality will catch up to your speed. Basically, do a good job. Don’t be a perfectionist. Finish the book.

[@byronrhodes1659]

This is a lesson I’ve been learning. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@Michael.Regina]

You’re welcome! Keep going!

[@anonlvl1957]

This video was very helpfull I found myself in thought spot I failed at my getting my dream degree I worked at Mcdonalds for a year I discovered that I enjoy maling art Acrylic painting,drawing ,inking I tried again in difrent university I failed again Now im looking for a job While in the mean time getting better at art Make as many 25page long short comics as I can before 2025ends And then i can tackle making a full on graphic novel I Dont care if its sucesfull I want to have that story publishing to the world Digitaly or physical Making it full time job would be a dream but it could still help me get the job in the graphics industry so im making it either way !

[@Michael.Regina]

Hey! I am so glad you're just getting to making your art. That's awesome. I wish you all the best.

[@Renevua]

Hi Micheal, very inspiring and motivating video! Just like yourself I wanted to make comics since I was a kid (my history teacher gave me a large passion and motivation to pursue them), but I felt recently demotivated and feeling like I failed at my dream as I work in unrelated field and struggle with finding time. I really appreciated the part where you mentioned that it's important to be part of the community and that we shouldn't forsake it for the name of the art as it touched me. I moved to different country 5 years ago and was preoccupied of finding my place and group, but the gnawing feeling that I'm not working on my comic made me forget that in a meantime while I was writing the general outline and coming with idea I have built a very close and wonderful relationships with people, who support me and care about me. I know I'm slightly too young (only 24) but I felt like I squandered all the chances I had and will still probably feel this from time to time which I have to try and push out from my mind as it will just distract me. However I want to thank you for talking about your experiences as it made me feel that I shouldn't despair and give up, but try my best and work with what I have while still enjoying having a life outside of art. Will definitely try some of the advices you gave!

[@Michael.Regina]

So glad that this was helpful to you! You definitely haven't squandered your chances. Make time for your art each day and make sure you do it. You'll be surprised how quickly things will start to come together.

[@briansalazar7397]

You spoke to right where I’m at and I thank you! Great advice. Be well👍

[@Michael.Regina]

You are so welcome. I hope things are going well.

[@thedwork9813]

Thank you. Very honest video. Sharing your experiences has been helful.

[@Michael.Regina]

So glad it was helpful!

[@RyanDreww]

Helpful tips, Michael, and always a good encouragement for those who are trying to make it while holding down a day job with dreams of making their own books!

[@Michael.Regina]

Glad it was helpful, Ryan! Keep on making stuff -- Little by little.

[@reftoons]

Hi Michael. Excellent video. As I begin work on a graphic novel while also trying to do freelance illustration, I am finding it difficult to concentrate at times and stay on schedule. This video was an encouragement to me. I found a few productivity timers to block out distractions and look forward to what the results may be!

[@Michael.Regina]

Awesome! I hope all of the best for your graphic novel project! Thank for you the kind words.

[@fab.devon.comics]

this was a well-needed video for me. thank you :)

[@Michael.Regina]

You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@TheMelMan]

I was really good at managing my day job and my art after then I decided to start KZbin and it has stolen all my drawing time. Now I'm trying to do all 3 😅

[@Michael.Regina]

Relatable. Lol.

[@TheMattybake]

Great video, love your advice about not putting your work ahead of family. I find that tough to do.

[@Michael.Regina]

It's not always easy, but it helps make that your aim! Keep on after it!

[@Jerry12533]

even whit full time job people can learn to draw and write or new languge its just takes time

[@waltergross1269]

Thanks for this!

[@Michael.Regina]

You're welcome!

[@wilsonmatute6661]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for sharing. This video and your other shared content has motivated me to pursue my dream. Kudos to you and family

[@Michael.Regina]

You're welcome! All the best to you on your journey!

[@briansalazar7397]

I love your perspective on the whole kit n kaboodle sir!🙌

[@Michael.Regina]

Thank you, Brian! I'm so glad it was helpful. It's tough juggling things.

[@JEBEmpires]

Awesome man! I appreciate you and your art! Thanks for this video. It helps a lot!

[@Michael.Regina]

You’re welcome!

[@SergioTorres-f9f]

This was super inspiring. I love this video. We need more like this!

[@Michael.Regina]

So glad it was helpful and inspiring! Keep going.

[@drewtipton7342]

Your advice is very useful. Thanks for making this video!

[@Michael.Regina]

Glad it was helpful! All the best to you on your work.

[@eboi5575]

Thank you that was awesome tips , god bless you and your family, sir !

[@Michael.Regina]

You're welcome! Hope all the best for your project.

[@EL-qw7rp]

thnx for sharing

[@eroane84]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!! I work PT at my job and I’m also slowly working on my various comics based on my own life…Thank You❤❤❤❤❤ Pleasetalk about this topic more…^___

[@Michael.Regina]

Glad I could help! I will definitely revisit this topic some more.

[@inkseer]

This is all very good advice.

[@Michael.Regina]

So glad it was helpful!

[@adroitws1367]

whats your day job btw? most dayjob here in developing country make you overwork and mostly underpaid, its so hard to pursue creative endeavor here

[@Michael.Regina]

I work in User Experience (UX) on a company's website. I am able to hold pretty standard hours for the US. So when I say full-time job, I am definitely thinking within that 40-hour framework. It is harder to make anything work for you if you're already having to put in a lot of hours. All you can do is make whatever progress you can. :-/

[@adroitws1367]

@@Michael.Regina thanks for the answer. yeah, hopefully I can find a way. Hope you keep going in this creative endeavor. Keep creating, and have a nice day :)

[@TheVeyZ]

I have a question: I'm creating a graphic novel in Clip Studio Paint. When I'm done with it, it'll roughly be around 200 pages. How do you save or work on a file that has so many pages without slowing the program down? Do you only do a certain number of pages with multiple files and then combine them all using a different program?

[@Michael.Regina]

I create story files for scenes and then combine all of them later. It's a bit tedious, but definitely keeps your computer from bogging down as much.

[@glauberlapis]

Nice video!! When you finish your books, how do you sell it?

[@Michael.Regina]

I made another video on how to make a book pitch that you can find on my channel--give that a watch. So, I made a pitch, sent letters to agents looking for representation, and my agent landed my book deal. Took many tries to finally break through, but it was an awesome experience.

[@benlines2987]

Great video Michael! Thank you for your insight to your life and your work. If you don’t mind me asking, what would be the average return in regards to making money from sales?

[@Michael.Regina]

Hi, Ben. That is a very hard thing to answer because it really depends on what publisher you're working with. I know some creators who made no money up front and some who made very good money. Sorry to be so vague, but it is one of those things that it really just depends on your situation.

[@benlines2987]

@@Michael.Regina Thank you Michael for your reply. It does sound like it varies from artist to artist, writer to writer or to whoever that contributes to a project. I do thank you 🙏 for doing your best to answer my question. Keep up your good work whatever it is you contribute towards.👍

[@williampowell3378]

working 10pm to 2pam, not good.

[@Michael.Regina]

It was unhealthy, mostly because I had to get up early the following day. Nothing wrong with working late if you can still get a good night of sleep.

[@fje042]

Hi, does your wife take the kids in the morning and do you start work at 10? Do you work 100% in your dayjob?

[@Michael.Regina]

Hey Fred. Those are some pretty specific questions. Is there something in general you're thinking about when asking them? The best answer is my situation has changed many times over the course of the last decade or so of doing this. At times I've worked from home, at times I've had to go to the office. I've always put in 40 hours or more at work. My start times change all of the time. My advice is more about looking for general principles rather than specific application. Currently, making comics has been much more of a challenge as my kids are older, life has opened back up after COVID, and activities are in full swing. But I also have a deadline coming, so I need to do what I have to do to get us there.

[@Devon_maloy]

Hail to Cal Newport